Nebraska proclamation recognizes GA impact

May 29, 2013

ByDan Namowitz

Nebraska communities depend heavily on general aviation to keep businesses and tourism on the move, and the industry provides jobs for 5,250 residents, said Gov. Dave Heineman, proclaiming May 2013 as General Aviation Appreciation Month.

Aviation generates annual payrolls valued at $10.6 million, and Nebraska airports handle more than 970,000 general aviation aircraft operations per year, said the proclamation issued May 15. It noted that Nebraska is home to “13 charter flight companies, 12 repair stations, numerous flight schools, over 70 fixed-base operators and over 200 aerial applicators.”

Altogether, general aviation is estimated to have an annual economic impact of $721 million on Nebraska’s economy, while also providing medical outreach, firefighting, search and rescue, and other public service capabilities, the governor said.

The proclamation cited numerous aviation organizations, including AOPA, as promoters of the “interest and importance” of GA in Nebraska.

Although Congress is about to break for its August recess, AOPA members should keep calling their elected officials and asking them to co-sponsor the Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 (PBR2), said AOPA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Jim Coon.